Sespecifica

Sespecifica is a neologism used in some theoretical and fictional contexts to denote a method of annotating constraints in descriptions or specifications that aims for maximal specificity. It is not a standard term in mainstream linguistics, computer science, or formal methods, and it lacks a formal, widely adopted definition.

In linguistics, sespecifica is described as a device that helps ensure a referent is uniquely identified by a fixed set of features and contextual cues. Proponents argue that by binding description to explicit attributes and situational conditions, ambiguity is reduced compared with more general descriptions that could apply to several entities.

In software engineering and formal specification, sespecifica refers to a pattern where validation rules and constraints are bundled into a single, explicit specification block. This block enumerates all necessary conditions, facilitating automated checking, traceability, and unambiguous requirements communication. Advocates view it as a way to improve clarity in the specification process and to support rigorous verification.

Origin and status: the term appears mainly in speculative discussions, pedagogical exercises, and some science fiction or thought experiments from the late 2010s onward. It has not gained formal acceptance or widespread usage in standard literature. As a concept, sespecifica is often used to illustrate the tension between descriptive generality and prescriptive, highly constrained modeling.

Example: a sespecifica constraint might state that an object must have the attributes red, owner equals A, location in zone 3, and creation date after 2020-01-01. This illustrates the idea of consolidating multiple criteria into a single, explicit specification.